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| Students from Isabella Bird Community School in Near Northeast Denver. |
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Here We Go! Kicking Off the 2018-19 School Year
Dear Teachers,
Welcome back as we kick off the 2018-19 school year! I hope you've enjoyed your summer break and taken the time to do what makes you happy, whether that was seeing friends and family, traveling to new places or simply relaxing at home.
As we move through the school year ahead, I encourage you to continue reading Teacher Weekly, sent every other Wednesday, for updates on what matters to teachers most, including information from our curriculum and instruction teams, human resources, growth and performance, and district leaders.
This year, we also have new features in this newsletter to incorporate your voice and our Shared Core Values of Accountability and Fun with our Teacher Tidbits and DPS Myth Busters sections. Read below for more information about how you can get involved!
I hope this school year will bring meaningful learning, growth and joy -- not only for our students but for all of us as educators as well. I look forward on all that's ahead and everything we'll accomplish together!
Warm Regards,
Susana
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Teacher Tidbits: Tips and Tricks from Our Educators
This year, each edition of Teacher Weekly will feature a callout asking for your tips and tricks as a teacher, as well as your share of some fun! Watch for prompts asking for your #humblebrag, favorite teaching meme, words of wisdom from your kids, ideas to streamline your time and more.
To kick us off,
we'd love to hear your "life hack" on how to keep your classroom organized. Email your tips and tricks to
[email protected], and we'll share the top response in the next edition of Teacher Weekly!
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This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
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ICYMI: Update on Negotiations with DCTA
On Aug. 8, DPS and Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) continued our negotiations, when we acknowledged the importance of ensuring our educators get the compensation they deserve. It is critically important that we continue to attract and keep talented people in the teaching profession. And, we know the great challenges that the rising cost of living in Denver is posing for our educators.
DPS
proposed that if the
Great Schools, Thriving Communities ballot initiative passes in November, the district would significantly increase teacher compensation. Visit our
DCTA updates page on The Commons to see these recommendations in full and view previous updates and documents shared during these negotiations. Keep an eye on Teacher Weekly for more updates as the negotiations continue.
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True Pay Training Resources are Now Available
True Pay, DPS' new time and attendance system, is now live. To supporting in the transition, access training videos and quick reference guides on
The Commons
. You can also reference the
True Pay page
for presentations, FAQs, links to helpful materials and contact information. Please note: As a teacher, you do not need to clock in and out, and you should continue using SmartFind Express to report any absences that require a guest teacher.
August Pay:
You will receive your first 2018-19 True Pay, semi-monthly paycheck for 1/24th of your salary on Aug. 22. You will receive your last 2017-18 monthly paycheck for 1/12th of your last year's salary on Aug. 31, which will include your benefits and other deductions. Click here to view your True Pay transition calendar. If you have questions, email [email protected].
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Bookmark Commonly Used LEAP Resources
To help educators gear up for the next school year, the LEAP team has put together a list of commonly requested LEAP tools and resources.
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Prepare for the Spanish Language Proficiency Exam with Free Writing Workshop
The ELA Spanish Writing Workshop is a professional learning session designed specifically for (but not limited to) teachers who are studying for the Spanish Language Proficiency exam. This is a hybrid workshop with both online and face-to-face components. Instruction will focus on the grammar, punctuation and syntax of the Spanish language. Teachers will receive individual feedback and the opportunity to practice specific writing skills with a native Spanish-speaking instructor. This course is free and provided by the DPS ELA Teacher Qualification team. Face-to-face sessions are available from 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 6, Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 at North High School. For more information and to register, click here.
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Review Information to Help Support Long-term English Learners
Long-term English learners face unique challenges at the secondary level that can place them at significant risk to not graduate. District research suggests that, unlike other students, these students tend to have stronger writing ability than reading. Support of reading, as well as focus on developing relationships can help ensure they have the academic language and interest to succeed. Review this informational one-pager to learn more about how you can support your long-term English learners.
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BONUS: Win $15,000 to Transform Your Classroom
Have an idea for how to transform your school or classroom? Or do you have a creative idea or project? Share your ideas for the chance to win one of two $15,000 awards, presented by The Succeed Prize. Apply for this opportunity for Colorado educators at
thesucceedsprize.org/apply by Aug. 31.
Also, nominate an outstanding teacher you know for the Council of the Great City Schools' Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Education. This $5,000 award will honor an urban school teacher. View the nomination form
here and send it in by Sept. 4.
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DPS Myth Busters: Answering Your Questions about DPS
We know you have questions -- whether it's about new curriculum, district resources or how you can get more supports as an educator. We want to hear them!
In living our Shared Core Values of Integrity and Accountability, we will collect questions from our educators about anything that's on their mind. From there, we'll track down the right DPS team member to answer the question, and we'll publish the findings in Teacher Weekly.
What's your wondering? Share a DPS question at
[email protected] and it may be featured in an upcoming edition.
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